This study challenges the traditional understanding of urban income segregation by incorporating high-resolution mobility data. Using data from 4.5 million mobile phone users in 11 large US cities, the researchers show that experienced income segregation, as measured by actual social interactions in various locations, differs significantly from residential patterns. A Schelling extension of a mobility model reveals that experienced segregation is linked to an individual's tendency to explore new places and places with diverse income groups. The findings highlight the importance of mobility behavior in shaping income segregation experiences and suggest that urban researchers should consider mobility patterns alongside residential data.

Esteban Moro, Dan Calacci, Xiaowen Dong, Alex Pentland